Roof installation of Al Wakrah Stadium completed successfully
Once the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is over, the world’s collective focus will shift to 2022 hosts Qatar and their preparations for the mega event.
In yet another signal that things are fast progressing, installation of the retractable roof above the Al Wakrah Stadium has been completed, reported Gulf Times.
The final piece of the roof, weighing in at 378 tonnes and measuring 92M, sits 50M above the level of the pitch. Known as the ‘oculus beam,’ it will connect and support the entire roof while providing maintenance access to some of the retractable parts of the structure, according to The Peninsula.
Originally consisting of six pieces, the beam was welded and assembled onsite over 20 days. The structure was built on temporary frames before being lifted into place. The entire welding, assembly and installation process took just 40 days, according to a report in Qatar Tribune.
Once completed, the stadium’s retractable roof will be able to close with a PVC Titanium O2 double side coated membrane in approximately 30 minutes using a number of steel wires. The roof will provide shade to the entire pitch and contribute to the efficiency of the stadium’s innovative cooling system.
Situated in one of Qatar’s most historic areas, the design of Al Wakrah Stadium takes its inspiration from the seafaring tradition of the region, with the roof shaped to replicate the sails of a traditional dhow boat, iconic to Al Wakrah’s shoreline for decades.
Main contractor works at the 40,000 capacity venue, which will host matches up to the quarterfinals stage in 2022, are due to finish within the next 12 months. In addition, all the stadium’s seats have been manufactured by Qatari company Coastal and are currently being installed.
Thani Al Zarraa, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s Al Wakrah Stadium Project Manager, described the roof installation as one of the final major milestones in the project.
“The stadium is beginning to reflect its memorable and unique design,” said Al Zarraa. “Installing the roof is a major step forward for our project and almost the final piece of the jigsaw.”
